The birch is the first tree to grow after winter. The pioneer. The one that moves into barren land and says, "I'll go first."

After her conversation with astrologer Lise Gibson (Episode 6), Sarah fell down a rabbit hole, starting with an Instagram post about Celtic tree astrology and landing in the wisdom of the birch.

In this episode of The Wild Woman with Sarah Diop, Sarah guides you through:

• The rabbit hole of Celtic tree astrology and the 13 moon cycles paired with sacred trees
• The birch tree – pioneer, first to grow, and the origin of the Lithuanian word for June (Birželis)
• June 2026 astrology including Jupiter in Cancer, Jupiter in Leo, and Mercury retrograde
• June moon dates: Gemini New Moon (June 14) and Capricorn Full Moon (June 29)
• A personal tree ritual to offer gratitude, release what you're carrying, and root into your truth
• The health benefits of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), a medically prescribed therapy for stress, immunity, and mental well-being
• A collective tarot & ancestor reading to carry with you through the month

If you've ever felt called to sit with a tree, slow down to forest time, or release what isn't yours to carry, this episode is your June touchstone.

Tree Ritual: Honouring the Trees

This ritual is personal to Sarah, inspired by a healing journey with a shaman who taught her to build a sweat lodge. Before cutting any tree, they would offer a part of themselves at the base and thank the tree for its offering.

What you'll need:

• A tree that calls to you
• A few quiet minutes
• An open heart

The Ritual:

• Find your tree. Stand or sit beside it.
• Take three deep breaths. Slow down to tree time.
• Offer a part of yourself (saliva or another offering) at the base of the tree.
• Give thanks: "Thank you for your shade. Thank you for your oxygen. Thank you for being here.”
• Release what you're carrying. Place your hands on the bark and speak: "I release what is not mine.”
• Root into your truth: "I root into my truth. I root into the woman I am becoming.”
• Thank the tree again. Place one hand on your heart, one on the bark. Whisper: "Thank you.”
• Walk away slowly. Notice how you feel.

Health Tip: Forest Bathing

What Sarah just described, going to a tree, slowing down, engaging your senses is actually a recognized medical therapy called forest bathing. In Japan, it's known as Shinrin-yoku, "taking in the forest atmosphere." It's not hiking or exercise. It's a slow, sensory immersion in a forest environment.

Why doctors prescribe it:

• Reduces stress (lowers cortisol)
• Improves cardiovascular health (reduces blood pressure)
• Boosts immunity (phytoncides from trees increase natural killer cells)
• Supports mental well-being (treatment for anxiety, depression, and burnout)

How to practice:
Find a wooded spot. Leave your phone behind. Walk slowly. Engage your senses. Even 20 minutes helps, but two hours is ideal.

Connect with all guests and past episodes at:
 sarahdeop.com (visit the Wild Women page)

Resources & Links

• Awaken Your Wild Woman Workbook 
• Celtic Tree Astrology Instagram Post – @lovebyluna
• Lise Gibson Interview (Episode 5)
• The Wild Woman with Sarah Diop – Patreon

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - The Wild Woman with Sarah Diop
• (00:00:38) - Celtic Tree Astrology
• (00:03:10) - June astrology: New Beginnings and Personal Growth
• (00:06:26) - Mercury Retrograde: What to Know
• (00:07:31) - June's Moon Rituals
• (00:13:22) - What is forest bathing?
• (00:16:28) - June Tarot reading
• (00:17:30) - The Tarot card for the current situation, Death Card
• (00:19:20) - June Action Card
• (00:20:34) - The Hanged Man
• (00:21:57) - Ancestor Card for Week 4
• (00:23:02) - June Touchstone: Remembering Your Trees